Writing the College Thesis Part II

This article will highlight the importance of submitting your thesis in a timely manner and complying with all submission requirements to maintain a strong academic record.

By Justina Thompson — June 15, 2023

Tags: academic research, capstone project, college thesis, communication, degree completion, graduation, learning community, mentorship, organization, peer feedback, self directed research, senior year

In part two of this article, we delve into the critical stages of editing, revising, and submitting your college thesis, as well as explore how this process can influence your future graduate school applications. Crafting a high-quality academic thesis is a challenging and rewarding journey that extends beyond the research and writing phase. Once you compile your data and find a compelling argument, it's time to polish your work through a process of editing and revising. Remember, no one, not even your professors are beyond the editing process. It is part of becoming a good researcher and will ensure that your thesis effectively communicates your ideas, is free of errors, and reflects the academic standards of your institution.

This article will highlight the importance of submitting your thesis in a timely manner and complying with all submission requirements to maintain a strong academic record. As you prepare for the next stage of your academic career, the quality and relevance of your undergraduate thesis can significantly impact your graduate school application. So, we will also discuss the various considerations involved in utilizing your college thesis as a writing sample in your graduate school applications, along with the advantages and potential drawbacks of doing so. Part II of the article series helps you gain valuable insight into how best to navigate this critical, and often overlooked, phase of the thesis and have a competitive edge as you advance in your academic journey.

Editing and Revising

Revising and editing your initial draft will help you refine your argument, fix any inconsistencies, and improve your language usage. One of the most underutilized aspects of a thesis is that it is a collaborative process. We don't often think of it that way, but your peers can offer valuable insight to improve your work. Don't shy away from critiques during the revision stage. Expect changes and consider how to incorporate them. Nobody is perfect, and your drafts shouldn't be either!

Consider the Following:

Content: Ensure your arguments and evidence are relevant, persuasive, and logically organized.

Clarity: Verify that your points are easy to understand, and your writing is focused and concise.

Coherence: Assess the flow of your paper, making sure the sections and paragraphs are well connected.

Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling: Review your work for grammatical errors, punctuation mistakes, and spelling issues. Proofread several times to catch any lingering typos.

Formatting: Double-check your thesis adheres to your institution's style guide and formatting requirements.

Editing and revising can feel tedious, but it's essential to improving the quality of your thesis. Consider seeking feedback from peers or your supervisor to gain a fresh perspective and guidance.

Submitting Your Thesis

After completing your edits and revisions, it's time to submit your final thesis draft! Congratulations! You've put a lot of work into this milestone moment, and you should definitely the take time to celebrate. Depending on your institution, your thesis may need approval from your supervisor and committee. You'll also likely need to take part in a thesis defense. Ensure you have followed all submission guidelines, including:

Formatting requirements
Citation style
File format
Submission deadline

Preparing Your Thesis Defense

After submitting your thesis, you may need to present and defend your work before a panel of faculty members. The defense typically includes a presentation, in which you sum up your research and findings, followed by a Q&A session. Some departments will hold this in conjunction with an end of year program-wide celebration. It's possible that many of your peers will be in attendance for your defense. You may also be able to invite friends from outside the department and family members.

To prepare for your defense, consider the following:

Understand your work thoroughly: Ensure you can articulate your key arguments, findings, and methodology.

Anticipate questions: Think about potential questions or critical observations your panel may have and prepare insightful responses.

Practice: Run through your presentation multiple times to improve your delivery and build confidence.

Accept feedback gracefully: Understand that the defense is an opportunity for constructive criticism and growth.

By preparing diligently for your thesis defense, you can demonstrate your hard work, passion, and academic achievement to your committee members.

Considering Grad School?

Applying to graduate school is a challenging and competitive process. As a key part of your application, many schools will ask for a 25-to-35-page writing sample — along with a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a resume for humanities students. A well-written writing sample can effectively showcase your skills, experiences, and abilities, making you stand out from the crowd. For undergraduate students who have just completed their thesis, it can be tempting to utilize this recent paper as part of your application. But there are some drawbacks and disadvantages to doing so.

An undergraduate thesis is an excellent writing sample, particularly if it demonstrates your ability to delve deeply into complex issues, analyze data critically, and synthesize this information effectively. Demonstrating your capacity to conduct high-quality research and communicate your findings concisely is an invaluable skill in graduate school, regardless of what field you're planning to go into. A well-thought-out undergraduate thesis will often display these qualities. Moreover, submitting your thesis as part of your application materials can also illustrate how you are able to produce a comprehensive project while balancing the many demands of your academic life — a skill that will be particularly relevant as you begin your graduate studies. Using your thesis as a writing sample also allows you to emphasize your commitment to a particular subject. This is especially true if your topic aligns with the research interests of faculty members at the institutions to which you are applying.

There are some drawbacks to consider when using your undergraduate thesis as your writing sample too. The length and complexity of an undergraduate thesis might exceed the requirements of some graduate school applications, which could mean that you'll have to make significant revisions to fit within prescribed page limits. Depending on the topic of your thesis and the graduate programs to which you are applying, your undergraduate work might not be as centrally relevant to the subject matter, which will play a role in your admittance into programs.

If this happens to be the case for you, it may be best to create a new writing sample that speaks directly to the research interests of your desired program or the faculty members with whom you hope to work and fits within the requirements. If you're not sure what makes sense, talk to your letter writers who should be able to guide you in making the best decision for your application.

Conclusion

The process of writing your college thesis may be challenging, but with the right planning, organization, and dedication, it can be a rewarding academic experience. Start with identifying a suitable topic and formulating research questions, and then follow through with a well-crafted proposal, thorough research, a carefully constructed outline, and methodical drafting.

Remember, editing and revising are crucial components in creating a high-quality thesis. Do not skip these steps, no matter how perfect your first draft may seem! Accept feedback — because yes, you will get some — and seek guidance from your supervisor when needed. Finally, make sure you are well-prepared for your thesis defense as a final step in showcasing what you've learned throughout the process. It's easy to find yourself overwhelmed in the pursuit of such a big project. Take it day by day and break things down into manageable chunks. And remember! A thesis isn't a project you do alone. Lean on your friends and faculty to help you stay on track. This will help you concentrate on your passion for the subject, and craft a thesis that you can truly be proud of.

Justina Thompson

Justina "Farmer J" Thompson is the Farm Education and Volunteer Manager at Urban Creators, Philadelphia, PA. Justina intentionally attended school in Philadelphia so she could “connect her passion and experience to the ongoing environmental justice work in the area.” As a speaker, educational curriculum designer, program leader, and community organizer, Justina possesses extensive knowledge on urban farming inspired to work in the field of environmental justice from a young age.

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